Search

Ambient air pollution, particularly in the urban environment of developing countries, has turned out to be a major health risk factor. We explore the compounded impact of age sensitivity, exposure, poverty, co-morbidity, etc., along with composite air pollution in determining morbidity and health burden of people in Lucknow, India. This cross-sectional study is confined to analyse respiratory health status across different socio-economic and geographic locations using n = 140 in-depth questionnaire method. We used mean daily ambient air pollution data of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, and NO2 for the 2008–2018 period. We used the ecological model framework to assess the risk at different hierarchical levels and compounded severity on a spatial scale. We also used Logistic regression model with log odds and odds ratio to analyze the association of risks outcomes with composite air pollution scores calculated using the principal component analysis method. There is a strong association of location-specific respiratory disease prevalence with an overall 32 percent prevalence. The prevalence of ecological model 1 (individual domain) is 4.3 percent, while ecological model 2 (community domain) has the highest prevalence at 32.4 percent. The logistic regression model shows that respiratory disease load is positively associated with age sensitivity (P <.001) and composite pollution level (P <.001). For another model with suffocation as the outcome variable, composite pollution level (P <.001) and exposure (P <.001) are positively associated. Optimum interventions are required at Ecological models 1, 2, and 3 levels for better respiratory health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2019-20 and 2020-21at Vegetable Research Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U.P) India to judge the effect of nutrients application on potato based most popular cropping system on the pooled basis. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replication. The total treatment combinations were eight treatment in the field experimentation viz. R-R-R (T1), R-R-ST(T2), R-ST-R (T3), R-ST-ST(T4), ST-R-R(T5), ST-ST-R (T6), ST-R-ST(T7) and ST-ST-ST(T8) in which 'R' means recommended NPK and 'ST' means NPK applied on soil test basis. The results revealed that the economics is the main concern, green gram-potato-maize based cropping system recorded highest potato equivalent yield (62947.67 kg/ha) by R-ST-R (T3) treatment followed by ST-R-R (T5)(62654.13 kg/ha) on the basis of polled data respectively, The highest net returns and B: C ratio of moongbeen crop of cropping system were found in ST-R-R (T5) of Rs. 88,906.50 and 1:4.08, respectively. In potato crop of cropping system highest net returns and B:C ratio were found in Rs. 203973.00 and 1:1.94 in treatment of ST-ST-R (T6) respectively. The net returns and B:C of maize of crop rotation were recorded Rs. 1,02,440.00 and 1:1.34 in the treatment of R-ST-R (T3) respectively. Overall on the basis of pooled analysis in cropping system of moongbeen-potato-Maize with recommended NPKNPK applied on soil test basis-Recommended NPK (R-ST-R) nutrient management were highest revised net return of Rs. 128058.50/ha in one calendar year, due to reason of higher production and productivity of potato in same treatment in central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of the seventeen onion varieties evaluated for assessment of variability in mean performance, variances, heritability and genetic advance, (L-883 and Bhima Shweta) were most promising genotypes in respect of gross and marketable bulb yield, minimum number of bolters, rotten and multi-centred bulbs, bulb weight, equatorial bulb diameter, total soluble solids, number of leaves per plant and earliness in maturity. High values of genetic and phenotypic for gross and marketable bulb yield, average bulb weight, days to 70% neck fall and plant height indicated more opportunity of selection for these traits. High genetic advance as percentage of mean coupled with high heritability was observed for gross and marketable bulb yield and average bulb weight. Therefore, significant improvement could be expected through selection for these traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DSSAT-CANEGRO model have been used to determine crop potential yield over eight districts (viz; Muzaffarnagar, Shahjahanpur, Agra, Lucknow, Basti, Faizabad, Allahabad and Jhansi) representing different agroclimatic conditions & environmentof Uttar Pradesh state in India. The thirty six years (1980-2016) daily weather data of above districts were used to simulate seasonal yield potentials under the various management conditions and compared with the respective district reported yield. The simulated mean potential yield by the CANEGRO model over different district of the state varied between 77.8 t ha-1 in Muzaffarnagar and 97.8 t ha-1 in Agra, while mean reported yield (fresh stalk mass) varied between 40.1 t ha-1 in Jhansi and 62.8 t ha-1 in Muzaffarnagar within the state. Similarly, the attainable yield by the model was simulated lowest of 65.1 t ha-1 in Shahjahanpur and the highest of 73.6 t ha-1 in Faizabad district. The management yield gap was between 9.0 to 30.0 t ha-1 while sowing yield gap was between 7.0 to 26.0 t ha-1 in different districts under study. Further it is not only interesting & surprising but also encouraging to growers that the trends in total yield gap at all the above districts in various agro-climatic zones were found decreasing (narrowed down) at the rate of 138.8 - 801.2 kg ha-1 year-1. Delayed planting by about 30 days in some of the districts resulted into a decrease in sugarcane yield to the tune of 106.7 to 146.7, 103.3 to 143.3 and 80.0 to 133.0 kg ha-1 day-1, respectively. Findings reveal that DSSAT crop simulation model can be an effective tool to aid in decision support system. Yield gap estimates using the past crop data and subsequent adjustment in planting window may help to achieve close to the potential yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of present study was to investigate the association of the ENPP1 (K121Q) gene polymorphism with DKD in eastern Uttar Pradesh population. Methods: A total of 162 DKD and 155 apparently healthy controls were enrolled and K121Q polymorphism was determined by PCR-RFLP followed by sequencing. Results: It was observed that genotype KQ was more frequent in patients than controls and allelic frequencies of Q allele were higher in DKD (Q 21.3%) than control (Q 15.81%). It depicted that Q allele may be associated with DKD patient and has more risk in eastern UP population. Conclusion: The study indicated a significant association of KQ polymorphism of the ENPP1 gene with DKD in the eastern Uttar Pradesh population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water harvesting is a critical component of any approach to alleviating India's water crisis. Traditional rainwater harvesting systems are found in every region of the country. Haveli is one such system found in almost every village in the Bundelkhand region, Uttar Pradesh, India. A defunct Haveli in the Parasai-Sindh watershed of Jhansi district, Uttar Pradesh, was rejuvenated by providing a cement concrete core wall to the earthen embankment to address the problem of breaching, and the existing outlet was also expanded. This study was conducted from 2013 to 2019 to analyse the hydrology of the rejuvenated Haveli and to understand its impact on surface-water availability and recharging groundwater. The study period was divided based on long-term southwest monsoon (SWM) as wet (SWM > 20%), normal (SWM ± 20%) and dry (SWM < 20%) years. It was found that the Haveli could harvest about 1.91-2.0 times, 1.13-1.72 times and 0.2 times its capacity during a wet, normal and dry year, respectively. There was a 1.41 m difference in hydraulic head between pre- and post-Haveli rejuvenation in a wet year, whereas, a normal year, the difference was 2.71 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In our society, children are considered as an important part of the families. Most of the couples expect children to act as their successor as well as the preserver of new generation. Most of the married couples want their own children and they proceed to bear and rear them. Objective: The objective of this paper is to study the desire for more children pertaining to demographic and socio-economic characteristics of households in Uttar Pradesh. Result: Out of total respondents 45.2% have more than two children. However, 38.4% and 19.9% of respondents have less than and exactly two children respectively. Among the respondents having less than two children 92% showed desire for another child, however around 52% among the respondents have exactly two children. Out of total sample selected, 80% of population resided in rural areas while 20% in urban areas. 37% of the couples residing in urban areas have desire for another child compared to 54% in rural areas. The education status of women can reduce the demand of additional child and in maintaining family size. The regression coefficient of no education and middle class education are 0.607 and 0.269 respectively with reference to category (Highest education of ever married women). The odds ratio corresponding to no education and middle class education are 1.836 and 1.309 respectively which indicate the desire for additional child is inversely proportional to educational level. Among the religious groups, 84% of respondents are Hindus and 16% are non- Hindus. Through NFHS-2, probability of contraceptive use is higher in Hindus than non-Hindus and the results are statistically significant. The logistic regression coefficient corresponding to the numbers of living children below 2 and above 2 are 1.534 and -1.300 respectively and are statistically significant. Number of living children exactly 2 is considered as reference category because in order to achieve the replacement level fertility the number of living children should not exceed 2. The odds ratios of below 2 and above 2 children are 4.637 and 0.273 respectively. The results indicate that women who were having less than 2 children have higher and women having more than 2 children have lower desire for additional children with respect to women having 2 children. Conclusion: The desire for additional child is more in women having no formal education, women of SC/ST category, having female children, last child died, non-Hindus, low standard living index and rural areas. Therefore, the positive impact of family planning programme and importance of smaller family norm should be included in the curriculum of education especially in the secondary level and motivational activities should be targeted to reduce these differentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The population of India is likely to reach by 1.4 billion in 2025 with 42.5% as urban. With per capita land availability <3ha and net availability of cereals and pulses < 450g d-1, India is facing challenge in coping up with the national food security and environmental sustainability. Western Uttar Pradesh registered a high agricultural growth during the second wave of ‘Green Revolution’ in 1980s. However, rapid urbanization and developmental processes are increasingly in conflict with other forms of land use, especially agriculture. This study addresses the spatial pattern of land use over a decade and soil and climatic characterization of the region. The land use/cover change were captured by integrating satellite imageries (IRS-1D and IRS P6) of winter and summer (monsoon) seasons. Over the years, shift of land from agricultural to non-agricultural uses were 4.41% in which conversion to built-up areas was 2.89%. Spatial patterns of major soil and climate parameters were integrated into homogeneous agro-ecological units (38 classes) and 417 land units. Potential yields of major crops of the region were computed by using crop simulation models; and current yields were obtained through field survey in selected land units and other collateral data. Yield gaps (potential-current) ranged 3.87-6.64, 2.85-4.89, 4.09-6.02 and 30 t/ha in rice, wheat, maize and sugarcane for a majority of land units. A few agri-technological levels were tested for the fertilizer and irrigation inputs required to bridge yield gaps in rice and wheat in selected land units. It is argued that augmenting the production through assessment of biophysical potential of a region can ensure food security and sustainability of the system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To examine the applicability of the Tanaka and Johnston's method of prediction in a western UP population and to develop a new prediction method for this specific population if necessary. Materials and Methods: 150 western UP school children (87 males and 63 females) with a mean age of 15.5 years were randomly selected. The mesio-distal crown diameters of the permanent canine and premolars were measured and comparisons were done between the actual tooth sizes and the values predicted by the Tanaka and Johnston method. Results: Significant sexual dimorphism was found in the tooth sizes. There were significant differences between the actual measurements and the predicted measurements derived by the Tanaka and Johnston prediction method. New linear regression equations were derived for both the genders for tooth size prediction in western UP population. Conclusion: There are limitations in the application of the Tanaka and Johnston's prediction method to a western UP population. A gender discrepancy is seen between the males and the females. New regression equations were formulated for both the males and the females separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begomoviruses cause a number of serious diseases of cultivated crops and are considered as the major constraint for the cultivation of several crops all over the world. During a survey in the years 2007 and 2008, the typical symptoms of Begomovirus (yellow mosaic and yellow vein) were observed on six cucurbitaceous crops, viz. bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) and ridged gourd (Luffa acutangula) being cultivated in northern India. Begomovirus infection was suspected due to significant infestation of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci, the known vector of Begomoviruses) on these species. The presence of Begomovirus was detected from the total DNA extracted from six infected leaf samples of these species by polymerase chain reaction using the specific primers of a well-characterised Begomovirus. The ∼800 bp amplicons of these isolates were cloned, sequenced and the data obtained were compared with each other and with sequence database available in GenBank for best sequence identities and phylogenetic relationships. Based on highest 97–99% sequence identities and closest phylogenetic relationships, four representative Begomovirus species were identified as Ageratum enation virus (from T. dioica), Squash leaf curl China virus (from C. maxima), Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (from M. charantia, L. cylindrica and L. acutangula) and Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (from C. pepo). These results suggested the existence of a high genetic diversity among Begomoviruses infecting cucurbitaceous crops. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

VHF amplitude scintillations recorded during the daytime period from January 1991 to December 1993, April 1998 to December 1999 and January 2008 to December 2008 at low latitude station Varanasi (geographic lat. = 25°15′N; long. = 82°59′E; geomagnetic lat. = 14°55′N, long. = 154°E, dip angle = 37.3°, sub-ionospheric dip = 34°) have been analyzed to study the behaviour of ionospheric E-region irregularities during the active solar and magnetic periods. The autocorrelation functions, power spectral densities, signal de-correlation times are computed to study the temporal features of ionospheric E-region irregularities linked with daytime scintillations. Derived spectral index ranges between −2 and −9. Assuming velocity of irregularities, the characteristic lengths of the E-region irregularities are estimated. We have estimated the minimum and maximum range of scale length of sporadic-E ( E s) irregularities to be observed over Varanasi. These results are in close agreement with those reported from this latitude region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discusses the archaeological significance of Harappan sites in Western Uttar Pradesh, India. The authors wanted to understand first the general distribution pattern of the ancient sites of Harappan as a whole and its major geographical alignments. They argued that the Harappan sites should not be given any categorical label, but may only be described as sites belonging to the Harappan tradition.

Abstract: Present pilot study is the first attempt in the country to estimate sero-prevalence of Bovine Johne''s disease (BJD) by screening cattle and buffaloes representing large population belonging to farmer''s and farm herds in the home tracts (Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Punjab) of Hariana cattle and Murrah buffaloes in North India. Indigenous and in-house plate ELISA kit (using protoplasmic antigen from native Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis ‘Bison type’ strain of goat origin), originally developed for goats and sheep was standardized in bovines and used for screening. For this study, 33 villages of south and west UP were randomly selected and surveyed from 2001 to 2003. There were 7943 farmer''s families having 38,251 livestock, including cattle, buffaloes, goats and sheep (per family 4.8% livestock). Numerically, buffaloes and cattle were 54.7% and 22.1%, respectively. Serum samples were collected from 726 animals (4.2% of 16, 981 livestock with 4375 farmer''s families) located in 33 randomly surveyed villages. Serum samples (699), submitted to Epidemiology Department of Veterinary College (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana), in the year 2004 by farmer''s and organized farm herds (Buffaloes, 372, Cattle, 327), were screened by this ELISA kit. Soluble protoplasmic antigen was prepared from Map (S 5) ‘Bison type’ strain isolated from a terminally sick goat with Johne''s disease. Of the total 1425 bovine (Buffaloes and cattle) serum samples screened using indigenous ELISA kit, sero-prevalence of Johne''s disease was 29.0% (28.6% in buffalo and 29.8% in cattle) in Northern India. State-wise sero-prevalence was 31.9% and 23.3% in UP and Punjab, respectively. In UP, of the 601 randomly sampled buffaloes, sero-prevalence was 40.3% (16.6% in young and 40.9% adults) and 25.5% (10.5% in young and 26.3% adults) in south and west UP, respectively. Of the 125 cattle screened, sero-prevalence was 42.6% (nil in young and 44.4% adults) and 30.0% (nil in young and 30.6% adults) in south and west UP, respectively. Of the 699 serum samples screened from Ludhiana, Punjab, sero-prevalence of BJD was 23.0%. Sero-prevalence was 23.3% (12.1% in young and 24.4% in adults) and 26.9% (27.2% in young and 26.8% in adults) in buffaloes and cattle, respectively. High prevalence of BJD in buffaloes in native tract of Murrah breed, and Hariana breed of cattle correlated with poor per-animal productivity and BJD may be the major cause. Indigenous ELISA kit was rapid, economic and sensitive test for large-scale screening of buffaloes and cattle population against incurable BJD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study examined gender perspectives on water security by exploring an integrated water management approach for agriculture, livestock, and human consumption. The data were generated in a watershed project to enhance drought resilience of farming through groundwater recharge and agroforestry interventions in the water-scarce Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh in central India. Post-intervention, a quantitative survey and qualitative gender and social analysis tools were applied to understand the benefits of the interventions for women, men, and the community as a whole. Quantitative data were collected from 700 individuals in five villages (three treatment villages and two villages where watershed interventions were not implemented). In addition, 33 semi-structured interviews and eight focus group discussions were conducted to understand local gender norms at the project sites. Data analysis revealed that the community benefits accrued from the watershed interventions included increased crop productivity and diversification of agriculture and livelihoods. However, strict patriarchal norms restricted the visibility, mobility, and communication of women within the household and community during the interventions. Considering gender diversity, this study identifies that women can benefit from participating in watershed interventions and provides a deeper understanding of the constraints and barriers to women's participation in such projects, including economic, social, and cultural factors. The construction of check dams reduced women's time per day for fetching water by about 29%. Groundwater level increases reduced the effort required of women to draw water from open wells and hand pumps. Female education is a significant factor related to the benefits of watershed interventions, and regression analysis indicated that households with higher levels of education of adult women were significantly more likely to benefit from the interventions than other households. To avoid perpetuation of the exclusion of diverse local knowledge and gender inequality at the community level, mechanisms must be developed and adjusted continuously such that whole communities, including men and women, are empowered to participate in the decision-making process at various levels and for different purposes. When implementing watershed projects in a highly patriarchal context, as in the Bundelkhand region where women are hidden behind the strong presence of men, advocacy of behavioral change communication must be implemented regularly. The community needs to be sensitized toward systematic and gendersensitive institution building, social engagement, and capacity development for local as well as global water security [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decade of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) cases in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India: etiological scenario and preventive strategies (2010-2019) B Conclusion: b Previously JEV was a major contributor to AES (2008-2014) but recently (2015-19), ST has been found to be the leading cause of AES (>60%) in this region. B Background: b Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is 'an acute onset of fever and result in altered mental status with or without onset of seizures among a person of any age, at any time of year. [Extracted from the article]